One of the Excelsior’s first new developments in 25 years, Islais Place provides 137 units of housing for low-income families, along with resident services and new neighborhood health center
SAN FRANCISCO (September 5, 2024) – BRIDGE Housing, the leading nonprofit affordable housing developer and manager on the West Coast, joined with San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Ahsha Safai, other dignitaries and community members today to celebrate the grand opening of Islais Place, a brand new 100% affordable housing community in San Francisco’s Excelsior District.
The five-story Islais Place will provide 137 apartments for low-income households in a mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units. It is one of the first new developments in 25 years in the Excelsior District and one of the first new 100% affordable housing developments anywhere in District 11. Thirty-five apartments will be set aside for residents voluntarily relocating from Potrero Terrace and Potrero Annex, public housing communities that are currently being redeveloped through the HOPE SF program.
Islais Place will help meet the critical need for affordable housing in San Francisco, home to one of the nation’s most expensive urban real estate markets, where safe and stable housing is out of reach for far too many. In addition to affordable apartments, the project at 4840 Mission Street will also include ground-floor retail space and an expanded branch of the Mission Neighborhood Health Center, which will provide low-cost medical, behavioral health, and dental services to the neighborhood. Urban Services YMCA will also provide resident services including education planning and financial literacy, basic needs assistance, and case management.
“BRIDGE Housing is thrilled to expand our reach and impact in our hometown of San Francisco with the opening of Islais Place, making a transformative difference for 137 families along with many more to be served by the Mission Neighborhood Health Center,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard. “Complex projects like this require teamwork, and we’re grateful to the City of San Francisco, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, and other partners for their steadfast commitment to addressing this urgent need.”
Mayor Breed and Supervisor Safai were among dozens of elected officials, housing advocates, community members and others to attend today’s ribbon-cutting.
“The creation of affordable housing projects like Islais Place is at the heart of our efforts to ensure families who live and work in San Francisco can afford to stay in the city they call home,” said Mayor London Breed. “A grand opening of this kind of housing is a positive boost for the Excelsior and long overdue. I want to thank BRIDGE Housing, our funding partners, and the Mission Neighborhood Health Center for providing onsite health services for residents and surrounding community.”
“Today marks a significant milestone for the Excelsior District and all of San Francisco,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. “The opening of Islais Place represents our deep commitment to ensuring that all families, regardless of income, have access to safe, affordable housing in their neighborhoods. This project is especially meaningful as it provides 137 much-needed housing and brings critical resources like health services to the heart of the community. I’m proud to have been part of this effort and look forward to continuing to champion more developments like Islais Place across the city.”
“This project reflects the bold, innovative, and collaborative efforts in San Francisco to address our housing crisis. It’s a significant milestone to support a thriving community for families who already live and work here,” said Joaquín Torres, President of the San Francisco Housing Authority Commission. “These efforts continue to provide an inspirational model for others to strengthen inclusive and equitable communities that benefit our residents and their families.”
Islais Place was approved and developed under SB 35, which provides for a streamlined approval process for qualifying affordable housing developments in areas with the greatest need. Islais Place is conveniently located near grocery stores, banks, parks, schools, and public transit options. Residents will enjoy free high-speed internet access through San Francisco’s Fiber to Housing Program, along with a community room, bicycle parking, landscaped central courtyards, and public art. A pedestrian pathway will connect Mission Street and Alemany Boulevard.
“After almost 10 years of diligent advocacy by the members of Communities United for Health and Justice, Islais Place marks a monumental investment in affordable housing in the Excelsior district,” said Mission Neighborhood Health Center CEO Anna Robert. “We at Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC) are excited to serve the Islais Place community and the Excelsior District at our brand-new clinic location, 4840 Excelsior Mission, coming in Spring 2025 at 4840 Mission Street.”
“It’s an exciting day to welcome so many residents to Islais Place, an extension of the city’s incredible HOPE SF effort as well as one of the first major affordable housing developments in the Outer Mission/Excelsior neighborhood in 25 years,” said Kerry Deichen, San Francisco-East Bay Market Executive at Bank of America. “Islais Place represents the best of public-private partnerships that includes city, county and state financing along with Bank of America’s sizable construction loan and equity investment to BRIDGE Housing for this impactful and service-rich community.”
Islais Place residents include Raquel Ortiz, a native of San Francisco. Ortiz ran a successful service business until the Covid pandemic, and her husband’s declining health caused her family to lose their home.
“I am glad to have a home that allows me to care for my husband and be present for my family while we chart a new course for our future,” Ortiz said. “My goal is to eventually make room for another family to receive the same support we are. But for now, I’m just grateful to be here.”
Founded in 1983, BRIDGE Housing has a four-decade history of providing safe, affordable homes for families in the Bay Area and throughout the West Coast. With a focus on community development and comprehensive support services, BRIDGE’s $3.5 billion portfolio totals more than 130 affordable housing communities – including more than 90 in Northern California – that are home to more than 30,000 residents in total. More than 40 other communities are currently under development.
Financing for Islais Place was provided by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, and the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco, along with Bank of America, JLL, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, and the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee. Van Meter Williams Pollack served as the project’s architect, and Nibbi Brothers was the general contractor.
About BRIDGE Housing
BRIDGE Housing is a leading nonprofit developer, owner and manager of high-quality affordable housing on the West Coast, with a mission to strengthen communities and improve lives. Founded in 1983, BRIDGE has participated in the creation of more than 21,000 affordable homes in California, Oregon and Washington, with a total development cost of $5.2 billion. Its current portfolio totals more than 13,000 apartments that are home to 30,000 residents, with another 8,000 units in the development pipeline. For more information, visit www.bridgehousing.com.